12 Reasons why Porsche is peerless

Few companies ever get it so right, quite so often as Porsche. From the cars it builds to the people it employs, the Stuttgart car maker has been consistently, unerringly brilliant since 1931. Here's why…

Reason No: 12

Because they get better with age - PS Autoart

Gorgeous, aren't they? Old 911s I mean. Unencumbered by the heavy crash structures foisted upon post'73 models, these lithe, pre-impact bumper machines are regarded by many as the zenith of the 42-yearold series.

Except this one is nowhere near as wrinkly as it purports to be. It's a recreation based on an early ‘90s 964, the handiwork of Porsche specialist Paul Stephens (paul-stephens.com) and exists because using gorgeous old cars every day can turn uglier than a Ssangyong Rodius. Crap heaters, crap brakes, bodies with all the corrosion resistance of a baby tooth in a glass of coke – it's not all fun. Been there, on my second T-shirt.

Stephens is quick to point out that this PS300R isn't a replica of a '73 Carrera S, although he can build you one from an ‘80s Carrera 3.2. Instead it's designed to evoke the spirit of that most fabled of 911s without sacrificing the luxuries we take for granted today. Hence the 964 base. This was the car that brought anti-lock brakes, power steering and the option of four-wheel drive to the 911 range. But it's still air cooled, retains the older cars' silhouette and compact dimensions and the cabin looks almost identical. The proper Fuchs wheels didn't fit over the 964s big brakes so rather than compromise the car's drivability by retro-fitting smaller stoppers, Stephens made his own 17-inch versions. What's more, the high-based electric seats didn't look right so he sourced is own and had them reupholstered in wonderfully period corduroy. But the biggest challenge was the bodywork: fabricating a longer bonnet from aluminium, stretching the front wings to

accommodate the old-style indicator assembly and creating his own front and rear bumpers because the early ‘70s stuff just wouldn't fit.

In £45k 250R trim, the Carrera's 250bhp flat six is rebuilt to standard spec but 300Rs get £15k's worth of RS barrels, pistons and a lightened flywheel, bumping up the price depending on spec.

That Stephens is an accomplished racer shows in how the car drives. The engine's not remotely peaky, pulling strongly from low down yet still encouraging you to chase the redline with that fabulous cooling fan wail, and although the steering isn't as sweet as a really early 911's, the blend of body control and ride comfort is excellent. Best of all, you can comfortably slide it around on the road in a way the new GT3 just doesn't allow.

I appreciate the absurdity of spending between £45-£65k on a 15-year-old 911, ordinary used examples of which can be picked up for Fiesta ST money. But assuming you could find the £100,000 needed to buy a really nice '73 RS, could you really bring yourself to ruin it through daily use? The 300R certainly isn't for the purist, but for a select bunch this car is a real have-your-cake-and-eat-it opportunity.

'You can comfortably slide it around on the road in a way the new GT3 won't allow'